Black Bean

Castanospermum austral
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Common Name: Moreton Bay Chestnut, Black Bean, Australian Chestnut

General Facts:
· Belongs to the Fabaceae family and has only one species
· native to coastal rainforests and beaches in Australia
· grows in moist, fertile, well-drained soils on terraces on the side of mountains or along the banks of rivers and streams
· hardy species that is suited for a wide range of conditions
· October - November, it bears sprays of red and yellow pea-shaped flowers 3-4 cm long, which are partly hidden by the dense foliage. Following flowering in March - May, large cylindrical pods measuring 12-20cm by 4-6 cm are produced. These pods split in two, revealing 3-5 large bean like seeds weighing about 30 grams.
· Nectar produced by the flowers attracts birds, bats and butterflies.

Interesting Facts:
· leaves and seeds are toxic to livestock and humans

Medicinal and Food Facts:
· seeds following extensive preparation as a food by Aborigines contains alkaloids which have been shown to have anti-HIV and anti -cancer properties. First they slice the seeds, wash them in water for several days to remove toxic substances and then they roast the seedsThey also used to pound the seeds to a coarse powder and use it to make bread.(Low, T. 1989. Wild Food Plants of Australia.)
· They also used to pound the seeds to a coarse powder and use it to make bread.

Uses:
· ideal shade tree
· valuable as a timber species